ABS To Develop Brazil's Offshore Operational Safety Regulations

ABS Group Inc. was chosen by Brazil's Agência Nacional do Petróleo (ANP) to develop the country's "Operational Safety Regulation for Exploration and Production Operations." The contract calls for the development of a comprehensive regulatory model to address all aspects of operational safety throughout field life for Brazil's offshore exploration and production, says Dr. Henrique Paula, vice president, South America, for ABS Group. "Our experience in researching and drafting Brazil's offshore regulatory model will place us in a knowledgeable position to assist operators worldwide that are eager to participate in Brazil's burgeoning deepwater market," said Paula. A final report on Brazil's offshore regulations, adds Paula, is expected to be in place before year-end. "ABS Group's extensive experience in the regulatory arena, and its global expertise with floating production units, make it uniquely suited to write Brazil's offshore regulations," said Paula. Dr. Malcolm Sharples, ABS vice president of Offshore Project Development, explains that ABS developed the offshore industry's first regulations in 1968; classed the industry's first mobile offshore drilling unit; the first floating production/storage offloading unit; and the first Spar. Most recently, ABS issued the industry's first Rules for Floating Production Units in 2000. "This experience will contribute to the effectiveness of Brazil's regulatory model as the industry tackles deepwater challenges," said Sharples. ABS also offers extensive experience working in Brazil, and has classed some 15 floating production facilities operating offshore Brazil.